Town Square

Car sales curbed along El Camino

Original post made
on Jan 4, 2008

The blocks in front of Stanford Stadium, normally lined with 30 to 50 cars, were nearly empty Tuesday, thanks to a new state law giving local police the authority to ticket or tow vehicles parked for sale along a California state route. Senate Bill 279 kicked in Jan. 1, to the chagrin of many would-be car sellers.

Posted by Sam
a resident of Embarcadero Oaks/Leland
on Jan 4, 2008 at 9:01 pm

As a resident in the nearby Southgate neighborhood, there are other advantages not mentioned in this story. For the Corolla owner who declined to give his name, he or she must realize that many of the prospective car buyers would frequently double-park on El Camino Real causing obvious traffic hazards. As far as overall quality of life issues, that stretch of El Camino Real is now open to commuters and students every day. The spaces are no longer being taken for long periods of time while people try to sell their cars. Yes it's a public roadway, but their should be restrictions if it's being occupied as a used car lot. That is indeed the greater good. Also, in the evenings, residents and passersby now have a beautiful view of the Stanford athletic fields, without having to look past a line of cars being stored on the street. Sounds like PAPD took many steps to notify the public on this matter. Our thanks to all of the officials who made this happen.

Posted by Mark
a resident of Portola Valley
on Jan 5, 2008 at 12:57 am

Hmm..."Also, in the evenings, residents and passersby now have a beautiful view of the Stanford athletic fields, without having to look past a line of cars being stored on the street." Shouldn't these people be paying attention to the road? I would think this is an obvious traffic hazard.

Posted by Sal
a resident of Embarcadero Oaks/Leland
on Jan 5, 2008 at 1:18 am

I think everyone enjoys a clear view of the street, and we certainly do from our home across the way. Funny, I would think one wouldn't have to explain that. There you are just the same Portola Valley Mark. Feel free to enjoy while visiting.

Posted by Mayfield Child
a resident of Green Acres
on Jan 9, 2008 at 1:09 am

"Sounds like PAPD took many steps to notify the public on this matter." Hummm. Finally they get some credit.
My son only received a ticket ( no prior warning) with a hefty fine a few years ago for parking on El Camino with his car for sale...
One reason he was fined was because there was (and still is) a LAW on the Palo Alto books that states that there are not to be any FOR SALE signs on automobiles in Palo Alto..............................Not only did he get the ticket there on El Camino, but when he brought his car back over to park in our neighborhood (same day), the same officer tagged him again for parking it on Arastradero.
He managed to finally put up $ for an add in the newspaper (ahummmm) ... sounds like a plot to me....................! POLITICS!!!!!

Posted by Joe
a resident of Another Palo Alto neighborhood
on Jan 9, 2008 at 3:48 pm

I highly doubt that this involves a plot, politics, or a conspiracy, and I'm sure the laws and how they're applied have changed since whenever your son was ticketed years ago. Please, spare us the dramatic possibilities. Besides, you and your son would be better served to accept some responsibility in a simple matter and not rationalize things with a conspiracy theory.

"Not a residential street, but Park Blvd. near Page Mill has lots of RV campers."

Yup, that's the area that local anti-housing interventionists have temporarily stopped a development. They want to keep Park Blvd. a rat's nest, unless they get the chance to sit at the architect's desk. Ain't gonna happen...

Posted by Lived in Palo Alto
a resident of Los Altos
on Oct 1, 2008 at 10:23 am

At least the city should post a sign stating NO FOR SALE Parking. Not stating so is a harsh punishment. When asking why did the City of Palo Alto did not do so, the officer say "we decided not to post any sign". In a civilized and democratic City or society, information is vital. The City failed to inform. How civilized or democratic is that???